Welcome! As you set aside time each day for Advent prayer we invite you to use this approach, which works well for individuals and groups of all ages.

Light a candle. Pause to remember the presence of God filling you with Light and Love.

Pray this Opening Prayer:

Radiant Creator, awaken me to your presence.
Jesus, Light of all Lights, kindle love in my heart.
Spirit of Illumination, guide my path today.

Advent Reflection for the Day

I, the LORD, you God… lead you on the way you should go. Isaiah 48:17

I’m constantly seeking God’s guidance. What about you? Some days I’m looking for assurance that I’m safe in Christ’s care. Other times I need wisdom to make a decision. Other times I need a bright idea for how to work with a problem or accomplish something creative.

Most often, I look to God when my inner world feels “off” or I’m struggling for hope. I’m watching for the light to lead me out of the fog and into a better day. (“The sun will come out tomorrow” type of thing). In my experience, God’s guidance is always in operation.

I’ve found that even those who do not actively ask for God’s guidance are being given it at some level. Divine assistance is essential for existence, whether we know it or not. Humans are always tempted to choose self-interest, because our nature compels us to seek survival. And sometimes looking out for number-one is the best choice; but most of the time there is a creative option for taking care of our own good and the good of others. When we make a habit of including God in our choices, our better nature does quite a good job with choosing love.

As you focus on welcoming the light of Christ, you have a golden opportunity to allow divine guidance to influence more of your decisions, based on the generous love of Christ.

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Set your intention for the day. Say: Today I will ask for the light of divine guidance at least one during the day.

Pray this Closing Prayer:

Jesus, you are the Everlasting Light.
Help me to bring your love everywhere I go.
Fill me with Light this Advent
that all my life will reflect you.
Shine through me so that that everyone I meet today
would feel your presence in my spirit.
Let them look and see, not just me, but you,
Light of all Lights, Shining through me. Amen

As you blow out the candle and the flame vanishes, remember you have divine light within you that will never go out. You take the light of Christ with you wherever you are.

Together on the Journey,

Katie Martinez